DOJ Prosecutor Reassigned Amid Investigation into Trump Critic

Prosecutor Removed from Brennan Probe

A top prosecutor handling an investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan has been reassigned. Maria Medetis-Long, a seasoned prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, reportedly told colleagues she found no solid grounds to bring criminal charges against Brennan.

This move comes as the FBI reportedly increases its investigation into Brennan’s role concerning the 2016 election interference findings. The reasons for her reassignment remain unclear, and a successor has not yet been named.

Concerns Over Political Motivation

Legal experts and former officials are raising concerns about the potential political motivations behind the reassignment. Liz Oyer, a former DOJ pardon attorney, described this as a familiar pattern where the administration targets individuals the president dislikes and then searches for charges.

“The problem they are running into is that the career workforce of the Justice Department is not willing to make up cases out of thin air,” Oyer stated. She emphasized that prosecutors are trained to follow facts and evidence, not to start with the goal of prosecuting a specific person.

Experienced Prosecutors Facing Pressure

Oyer highlighted that experienced prosecutors like Medetis-Long are being pushed out because they are unwilling to pursue what she called the president’s “political vendettas.” She drew parallels to a similar situation in Virginia where a senior prosecutor was reportedly removed for not pursuing an indictment against James Comey. “Maria Medetis is one of these lawyers. She’s been a prosecutor for 15 or 20 years.

She is highly respected. She’s a person of integrity, and she had to leave this investigation because she did not move fast enough to bring these charges that the president wants,” Oyer explained.

Brennan’s Perspective

Director Brennan expressed his dismay at the current state of affairs. “I don’t recognize what is happening here in this country. This is not the America that I work FOR 33 YEARS IN TERMS OF ADMINISTRATIONS FROM BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES,” he said.

He also voiced concern about the message this sends to current intelligence and law enforcement officers. Brennan believes this situation represents a “lost opportunity” for the Justice Department, diverting resources from significant issues towards politically motivated investigations.

Broader Implications and Past Cases

The investigation into Brennan touches upon his role in assessing Russian interference in the 2016 election. Reports indicate the FBI plans to interview several witnesses regarding his involvement. This case is viewed by some as part of a larger trend of politically motivated investigations.

The transcript also referenced past actions, including a criminal referral targeting a whistleblower and an ex-inspector general, which occurred during Trump’s first impeachment inquiry related to his call with the Ukrainian president. These actions were seen by some, including former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard in 2019, as potentially allowing officials to abuse their positions without consequence.

Concerns About Justice Department Integrity

Brennan and Oyer both stressed the importance of career Justice Department prosecutors upholding their professional standards. “When I’ve been asked about this case, I said, you know, interview people. Uncover the facts.

The facts will bring the truth out,” Brennan stated. He expressed confidence that diligent prosecutors would uncover the lack of merit in the allegations. However, the involvement of political figures in making criminal referrals to the DOJ is seen as an attempt to pressure the department to act, even on matters from years ago, potentially to please the president.

Looking Ahead

The reassignment of Maria Medetis-Long is a significant development that raises questions about the independence of the Justice Department. As the FBI continues its probe and a new prosecutor takes over the Brennan investigation, the focus will be on whether charges are pursued and on what evidence. The integrity of future investigations and the willingness of career prosecutors to resist political pressure will be closely watched.

Source: DOJ cases ‘falling apart’: Prosecutor reassigned after refusal to charge Trump critic (YouTube)